Another this or that scenario

Let me start out by saying that for the past 8 or so years I have primarily been a roadie. I got my start in what I would call serious cycling with MTB's though.

Then I recently bought a used 29r SS (2007 GF Rig...this is the one that breaks, right?) and......whoa........have I been having some fun. Worth mentioning that my go to road bike is fixed......Pacenti custom that Vicious built. If it wasn't for the socializing I do with all my roadie buds I would probably be primarily riding the Rig.

Here comes the this or that.........

I do not have unlimited bike funds dammit. Therefore, I recycle bike dollars. Gettin' ready to sell a couple of things to fund a new purchase.

Scenario #1 - Commission a new steel 29r ss rigid frame. Most everything I saw at NAHBS was in the $2300 range. I do love custom frames and, in fact, other than the Rig all my rides are custom frames. Not an elitist, I just like nice bikes and I like something different. OK, after I receive the custom frame, build it up with all the (stock) stuff from the Rig and upgrade as I go along.

Scenario #2 - Sell some stuff and upgrade the piss outta the rig. Maybe even a new Spectrum powder job.

This leads to the question of how many of these frames really break? The damn thing is comfortable as shiite and I love the weight of the frame.

Thers is a Third Option for Your Consideration

Tampa has an abundence of Trek dealers in the area. I would suggest you try a '09 Trek 69er SS. If you like the '07 GF Rig, I promise you will really enjoy this bike. The frame quality I believe will satisfy your desire for a "custom" due to the new hydroforming used in its construction. Anyway, I had a Rig, which lead me to the 08 Trek 3x9 69er. I also now own the 09 69er SS. It is light, strong/stiff well made and a hell of a lot of fun to ride/jump or whatever.

Surely one of the Trek dealers in your area would have one for a test ride. Give it a try and I bet you will be more than pleasently suprised.

Call up John at Dean Bikes, have him build you up a steel bike to suit your needs, i assure you it will cost hundreds less that the $2300 you mentioned. Heck you could probably have them build up the whole thing with parts for $2500...give them a call at least

There are many fine choices in custom handbuilt steel for $1,000 less than the price you quoted. 2 that come to mind and that are very popular here are Waltworks and Quiring. A third even cheaper but really sweet option is a Curtlo. Fillet brazed steel. Yummy!